S. Korea pleased to support Laos as vital logistics hub

South Korea is pleased to consider Laos’ proposal for assistance with the construction of the Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway.
This was the message delivered when the President of the Republic of Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, met Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith during a working visit to Laos to attend the ASEAN-Korea Summit last week.

The blue line on the map shows where the planned railway will link the Vung Ang seaport to Thakhaek and Vientiane.

During the meeting, several areas of cooperation between Laos and South Korea were discussed. The two sides agreed to encourage their relevant agencies to work closely to step up cooperation, especially in the areas mutually agreed upon.
Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway
The Hanoi-Vientiane Expressway is a major infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity between Laos and Vietnam, promoting trade, tourism, and economic cooperation. Spanning approximately 725 kilometres, the expressway will link the Lao capital Vientiane with Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. Once completed, it will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, fostering easier and faster transportation for goods and people.
This project is a key part of the Asian Highway Network and aligns with the broader vision of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) to improve regional connectivity.
By facilitating smoother cross-border trade, the expressway is expected to boost both nations’ economies, making Laos less landlocked and better connected to international markets. Additionally, the road will pass through key economic zones and industrial parks, supporting regional development and offering opportunities for new investments.
Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway
The Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway is another transformative infrastructure project that aims to improve Laos’ access to the sea, crucial for its landlocked geography.
The railway will connect Vientiane with the Vung Ang port in Vietnam’s Ha Tinh province, spanning about 555 kilometres. This project is part of the broader strategy to connect Laos to international maritime routes, enhancing export and import capabilities.
Once completed, the railway will provide Laos with direct access to a deep-sea port, boosting trade efficiency and lowering logistics costs for both Laos and its regional partners. It will also enable the faster transport of goods, such as agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured items, from Laos to global markets through Vietnam. The railway is expected to reduce the current reliance on road transport, making trade more sustainable and cost-effective.
With strong support from both governments and international financial institutions, the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway is seen as a game-changer for Laos’ economic prospects, turning the country into a vital logistics hub in Southeast Asia. The project also forms a key link in the Trans-Asian Railway network, reinforcing its role in regional integration and economic development.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 17, 2024)